Connectors for medical devices must meet certain requirements. In addition to application-specific functional features such as number of poles, autoclavability, IP protection and current capability, precautions can also be taken to protect the patient (MOPP - Means of Patient Protection) and the operator (MOOP - Means of Operator Protection). These are regulated in IEC 60601-1 to reduce the risk of electric shock as much as possible. Since medical electrical equipment and systems are both connected to the power supply and come into direct contact with the patient, even minimal leakage currents can be life-threatening for weakened individuals. Also, the operators of the medical equipment, usually the medical staff, must not be endangered by the transmission of the current. The requirements for patient protection are higher than for user protection. As soon as electrical devices come into contact with the patient or are used close to the patient, the highest possible degree of protection (2 MOPP) is required.
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